Package closure

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a closure for secondary package capable of containing a product package within it wherein said product package has a prescribed orientation within the secondary package.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional Application No. 60/719,649, filed Sep. 22, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to package assembly comprising a closure for a second package capable containing a product package in a prescribed orientation relative and within the second package.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Product containment packaging is well known in the art. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,246, to Gehring et al. issued May 31, 2005 discloses oval shaped containment vessel for consumer product containers. The package comprises locking end tabs to secure the contents of the vessel during shipping and handling wherein the locking end cap closure is removable when rotating the end cap. The closure has an integrally formed containment recess for upright support of the product package within the interior of said containment vessel to avoid tipping of the product package within the vessel.

For purposes of marketing products, it's desirable that a product package within an outside or secondary package be orientated in such manner that the visible portions of the product package can be easily seen through the secondary package. This is particularly important when there are graphic illustrations and, or printing found on the secondary package that could obscure the viewing of the product package. For example it may be desirable to orient the product package's ingredient statement in such a manner to make it easily readable through the graphics on the secondary package wherein the secondary package's graphics are or must be consistently applied to the packaging. Such a package typically has exacting dimension and, or shape wherein that package has clear front and rear panels or sides. Therefore, there is a need for a package to have a relatively simple means for orientating a product package within it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a closure for use with a second package capable of holding a product package. The closure provides consistent and prescribed orientation of the product package within the second package. The closure comprises:

-   -   a. an extended central portion for insertion of the closure into         the opening of a second package;     -   b. a flange extending from said central portion of sufficient         length, abutting the cross sectional edge of an opening of a         second package, thereby preventing insertion of the entire         closure into the interior of the second package;     -   c. a flat surface on the periphery of said central portion         capable of engaging a complimentary portion of a second package;         and     -   d. an imprint formed upon the planar surface of said central         portion, said imprint being of sufficient shape and depth to         accept a product package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Perspective rear view of the closure for a second package.

FIG. 2 Overhead view of the closure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 Cross-sectional view along line II of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 Left side view of the closure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 Underside view of the closure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 Perspective exploded rear view of a second package with closure.

FIG. 7 Rear view of the package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 Front view of the package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 Right side view of the package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 Overhead view of the package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 View of the underside of a second closure of the package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12. View of the underside of the package of FIG. 6.

FIG. 13. Perspective exploded rear view of the second package with the product package inside.

FIG. 14. Cross-sectional view of a package assembly along line VIII of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the perspective view of the closure that's subject matter of the present invention. Closure (100) has a lower edge (101) and a central portion (102) extending from said lower edge of said closure (100). The central portion (102) enters or is inserted into a second package. This central portion may be of approximately the same shape and dimension of the second package or container so that the central portion easily fits within the open end of a second package. While the FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a closure that's round or circular, the closure and for that matter a complementary second package is not limited to such a shape. Flange (103) extends outward from central potion (102). Flange (103) may extend as far as desired, one alternative being that the flange terminates exactly at the exterior vertical surface of the second package providing a smooth contour of the external surfaces of the second package; see FIG. 6. Also illustrated therein is an engagement feature for adjoining the closure to a second package. Projection (106) is shown in FIG. 1 as such a feature. Alternative engagement features include adhesives, tape, sonic welding, heat welding, snap fittings or any other feature generally known to one skilled in the art and combinations thereof. Projection (106) extends at least enough to engage a complementary groove in the interior of a second package, but not so far as to cause the second package to dramatically deform. Such projections could be segmented or continuous and encompass the entire periphery of the closure's central potion (102).

From the overhead view of FIG. 2, a flat surface on the periphery of said central portion (202) is illustrated along with flange (203). This flat surface (204) engages a complementary rotational stop of a second package. Additionally closure (200) has an imprint (205) formed upon the interior surface of said central portion (202). Imprint (205) is of sufficient shape and size to accept a product package having a complimentary shape to next within said imprint in such a manner to align said product package in a designated direction within a second package comprising such a closure. This imprint may also serve to secure the product package to prevent it dislodging during transport. Closure (200) additionally may comprise a feature for removal of a section of the closure to enable removal of the product package it secures within a second package. In FIG. 2 the feature comprises a pull tab (207) that allows for removal of the closure section along a tear away seam (208) about the periphery of said central portion. Other features for removal include, but necessarily limited to the group consisting of a tear strips, a pull tabs, a break-away tab that allow deformation of the remaining non-broken section to facilitate its removal or any other feature that is generally know to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the closure (300) along line II as shown in FIG. 2. Illustrated therein is the depth of imprint (305). The depth of said imprint can vary, provided it does not extend beyond the lowest point of the base of closure (300). Flange (303) is at a sufficient length in order to engage the edge of the opening of a second package, preventing the entire closure from extending into the interior of the second package. Pull tab (307) tears to remove a sufficient amount of the closure along seam (308).

FIG. 4 illustrates flat surface (404). This flat surface aligns with a complimentary member of the second package aligning the closure and the second package in a desired direction. Projection (406) engages a complimentary groove or lip in the interior of a second package and flange (403) engages the edge of the opening of a second package, preventing the entire closure from extending into the interior of the second package.

FIG. 5 illustrates the underside of closure (500). Visible is the imprint (505). It has a designed shape for allowing the engagement of a product package in a desired orientation within the imprint. Visible in the figure is the means for removing a potion of the closure. This is illustrated as a pull tab (507) and the seam (508) that the pull tab tracks as it is pulled by the consumer to access the product package housed within a second package.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a secondary package (600) comprising the closure (100) of FIG. 1. The dimension of said second package can be of any volume and or shape for accommodating a desired product package. For example, for a relatively short, wide-mouthed cream jar would utilize a secondary package having complimentary dimensions. The closure (100) has a projection (606) that engages a complimentary groove (606 a) on the interior surface of the second container body (611). This engagement can also consist of the projection (606) and a lip or flange integral to the interior wall of second package's body (611).

This FIG. 6 additionally illustrates use of a second closure (610). It ought to be understood that the second package does not necessarily require such a second closure other than closure (100). The external dimension and shape of the second closure is complimentary with the exterior of the walls of the body (611) of the second container. Alternatively, said second closure can be of a greater size than the body wherein it exceeds the periphery of the exterior walls of the second package. Said second closure (610) enters the opening of the body (611) by an insert (612) having a radius from the center of the closure wherein upon placing the second closure on the body of the second package, the insert (612) enters the interior of the body. While FIG. 6 shows the insert as being continuous about the periphery of the closure, an alternative embodiment segments the insert.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second closure comprises a stop (613) abutting the open end of the body thereby limiting the depth to which the second closure can be inserted into the body of the second package. In FIG. 6 the stop comprises wall (612) about the periphery of said second closure and surface perpendicular to insert (612) that abuts the cross-sectional opening of second package body (611). It should be recognized, however an alternative is a stop that is segmented. The second closure may be affixed to the body of the second package using any means known to those skilled in the art. One such embodiment is the use of a projection or plurality of projections (614). FIG. 6 illustrates second closure projection (614) and corresponding groove (615) in the wall of the second package (611). Alternative to a single projection or plurality of projections is a single continuous projection about the periphery of said second closure and a corresponding groove around the circumference of the internal wall of the body wall (611). Any projection and groove alternatives provide a snap fitting for securing the second closure to the second package.

FIG. 7 is the rear view of the package of FIG. 6. From this view there is included a means for a designed alignment the second closure (710) with the second package (700). The means for alignment illustrated herein, but not limited to such means is one or a plurality of tab inserts (716) that extend above the upper planar edge (717) of the second package body (711). Said tab inserts (716) engage complementary cut out portions (718) in the wall comprising stop (713) of the second closure (710). The placement of tabs (716) in cut out portions (718) aligns the second closure with the package body in a desired orientation. This is believed particularly useful wherein the second closure has a decorative feature, labeling, geometry or shape wherein it is important to have the second closure facing a specified direction relative to the second package and, or product package in said package assembly.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a second closure that requires a specified placement or direction of a second closure (610) relative to closure (100) and the second package (611). This also provides that a label affixed to said closure is aligned in a specified and consistent direction upon assembling the product package and second package as a package assembly illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. In FIG. 14 the sloped second closure (610) faces forward as does the product package (1421). Affixing a label to said second closure (610) wherein the top of the label is at the highest point of the second closure and the label's bottom at the lowest point of the second closure promotes greater viewing of the label by a consumer particularly when the package assembly is on a store shelf.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are two different front views of the assembled second package including the closure (100) of FIG. 1 and the second closure (610) of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 clearly shows the termination point of flange (103) of FIG. 1 and its relationship to with body wall (611) of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 additionally shows the engagement of projection (406) of FIG. 4 with complementary groove in the interior of a second package and the engagement of flange (403) of FIG. 4 with the opening of a second package at point of contact (919).

FIG. 10 is the overhead view of the package assembly. FIG. 11 is a view of the underside of the second closure (900) of FIG. 9. This closure has a pattern of radially extending vanes (1101) that form a pattern approximately that of the product package's closure. In FIG. 11 the vane patterned void space (1102) houses the product package's closure. It is appreciated that multiple vanes patterns can be created to provide multiple pattered void spaces for accommodating multiple product packages having the same or differing product package shapes.

FIG. 12 provides a view of the underside of the package assembly. Illustrated therein is closure (1200) wherein the imprint (1205) is shown. The means for removing part of the closure, pull tab (1206) under the closure wherein the tab may be grasped by ones fingers for pulling the tab downward to tear the tab away from seam (1207) wherein one gains access to the product package within second container (1200). Visible in this figure is the profile of flat surface (1204) of the closure. Also visible is the outside perimeter (1209) of the second package.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show views of the second package containing a product container. FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the second package (1300) containing a product container (1320), closure (100) of FIG. 1 and second closure (710) of FIG. 7. Illustrated therein is the tab inserts (718) in the second package wall that engage complementary cut out portions (716) in the vertical wall (713) of said second closure (710).

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view along line VIII as shown in FIG. 8. Illustrated therein is closure (100) and flange (103) of FIG. 1. The closure's flat surface (204) from FIG. 2 aligns rotational stop (1420) of the second package). Product package (1421) fits within imprint (205) of FIG. 2. With regard to engagement of second closure (610) of FIG. 6, projection (614) engages complementary groove (615) in the interior surface of second container (1400) to secure the second closure onto the second package.

Fabrication Materials and Methods for Making Closure and Second Package

The material used for the manufacture of the present invention includes non-deformable and deformable materials. Non-deformable material choices for said invention include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) polyethylene-terepthalate (PET), styrene-butadiene-copolymers (SBC) and blends thereof. For example, for closures with tear strips, the material frequently chosen is LDPE. LDPE provides for a lower force to pull and remove the tear strip, allowing the purchaser to easily open the closure. Another material that may be used is the styrene-butadiene-copolymer K-Resin® available from Chevron-Phillips Chemical Company LLC. An example of a blend of materials is the combination of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). This blend allows the part to still be easy for a consumer to tear open while providing better protection of the product though handling and distribution. Typical blends include those ranging from 1:1 to 4:1 ratio of LDPE to HDPE. Whether making deformable or non-deformable parts, the parts of the containment vessel may be manufactured by any number of plastic and paper manufacturing methods known in the art including but not limited to injection molding.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

1. A closure for a second package comprising: a. an extended central portion for insertion of the closure into the opening of a second package; b. a flange extending from said central portion of sufficient length for abutting the cross sectional edge of an opening of a second package, thereby preventing insertion of the entire closure into the interior of the second package; c. a flat surface on the periphery of said central portion for engaging a complimentary stop of a second package; and d. an imprint formed upon the planar surface of said central portion, said imprint being of sufficient shape and depth to accept a product package.
 2. The closure of claim 1 comprising a means for disengagement of a portion of said closure's planar surface, said means selected from the group consisting of a tear strip, a pull tab, a break away tab and combinations thereof.
 3. The means for disengagement of claim 2 comprising a pull tab attached to a tear away seam about the periphery of said central portion.
 4. The closure of claim 1 wherein said closure is a circular shape.
 5. The closure of claim 4 wherein the flange is circular in shape.
 6. A package assembly for containing a product package within a second package, said second package comprising the closure of claim
 4. 7. The package assembly according to claim 6 having a complimentary rotational stop in the interior of said second package for engaging the complimentary flat surfaces about the periphery of said central portion of closure.
 8. The package assembly of claim 7 wherein attachment of said closure to said second package is achieve by a means of attachment selected from the group consisting adhesives, tape, sonic welding, heat welding, snap fittings and combinations thereof.
 9. The package assembly of claim 8 wherein attachment of said closure to said second package is achieved by a snap fitting.
 10. The snap fitting of claim 9 comprising one or more projections fitting within complimentary grooves in the interior surface of said secondary package.
 11. A package assembly for containment of a primary package wherein said package assembly comprises: a. a second package body; b. a product package within said second package; and c. a closure engaging the interior surface of said second package body wherein said closure comprising: i. a flange extending said central portion of sufficient length for abutting the cross sectional edge of said second package, thereby preventing the insertion of the entire closure into the interior of said second package; ii. a flat surface along on the periphery of said central portion for engaging a complementary rotational stop on the interior surface of said second package body; iii. an imprint formed upon the planar surface of said closure having a sufficient shape and size to accept a product package in such a manner to align said product package in designated direction within said second package; and iv. a means for disengagement of at least a portion of said closure from said second package in order to access the primary package within said second package.
 12. The package assembly of claim 11 wherein said package assembly has a second closure opposite that of said closure.
 13. The second closure of claim 12 comprising a wall to engage the interior wall of said second package, said wall having a cut out for engaging a complimentary tab of the second package.
 14. A method for assembling a package assembly comprising a product package within a second package having a prescribed orientation of said product package relative to said second package, said method comprising the steps of placing said product package in an imprint formed in the planar surface of the central portion of the closure of claim 1 and subsequently engaging said closure with said second package by the step of engaging a cut out portion in the wall of said closure with a complimentary tab insert of the second package.
 15. The method for assembling a package according to claim 14 having a decorative feature upon the exterior of said second closure comprising the steps placing the second closure on the second package wherein a cut out on the vertical wall of said closure engages the complimentary tab insert of the wall of the second package.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the decorative feature is a label wherein the placement of the second closure upon the second package aligns said label to enhance its viewing when placed upon a retail sale product shelf.
 17. The method for assembling a package according to claim 14 having a decorative feature upon or within of said second package wherein the decorative feature is aligned on or within said second package wherein the product package is consistently aligned within said second package to consistently display features of said product package.
 18. The method for assembling a package according to claim 17 wherein the decorative feature of said second package is an in mold label.
 19. The method for assembling a package according to claim 17 wherein the product package is consistently aligned within said second package to consistently display the shape of said product package.
 20. The method for assembling a package according to claim 19 wherein the graphic illustrations of the product package is consistently aligned within said second package to consistently display said graphic illustrations of said product package. 